Venice Like a Local: Venice Food, Wine & Spritz Tasting Tour

Venice , Italy

Venice Like a Local: Venice Food, Wine & Spritz Tasting Tour

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About this experience

Experience Venice Like a Local
Sip regional wines, savor authentic cicchetti, and cross the Grand Canal on a traditional traghetto gondola. Explore Rialto’s vibrant heart and uncover the secrets of Italy’s aperitivo culture — vino in hand. Small group, big flavor.

Available options

Private Tour

Small Group Tour

What's included

Taste 7 Cicchetti dishes and 1 dessert

Drink 4 Glasses of Local Wine and 1 Venetian Spritz

Stroll through the Cannaregio neighborhood, rich in history

Receive insider tips on the best local bars and eateries in Venice.

Discover magical Venice with a local English-speaking guide

Discover the art of Cicchetti at hidden bars in Rialto

Cross the Grand Canal like a local in a traghetto gondola ferry

Detailed itinerary

This tour introduces Venice’s history and cuisine, starting in a historic square with iconic chimneys and the masonic Round Church of La Maddalena.

Next, we’ll wander down Strada Nova in Cannaregio, a lively street where you'll discover Venetian traditions, local shops, and daily life, offering a true taste of the city's charm.

Stop 3

Continue exploring Cannaregio, Venice’s historic residential area, and discover its 1,000-year history while getting local tips for your stay.

Stop 4

Then, we’ll take a traditional Traghetto gondola ride across the Grand Canal, just like the locals do, for a unique Venice experience.

In Rialto, we'll stop at a local eatery where young chefs put a modern twist on traditional recipes, serving dishes like black ink calamari, polenta with seafood, and seasonal veggies.

We’ll visit a cozy bar run by two Venetian brothers passionate about locally sourced food and organic wines. You'll try a Tramezzino (local sandwich) and a Venetian Spritz.

Stop 7

Next, we’ll uncover hidden spots near Rialto, showing you the charm of stepping just one street away from the crowds to experience a quieter side of Venice.

Our next stop is a historic Cicchetti bar, where we'll dive into the tradition of Venice’s small plates. Try local dishes like cod prepared in two ways—let us know which one you prefer!

Next, we`ll stop at a bohemian bar owned by three musician brothers and enjoy local wines and fresh seasonal cicchetti.

Stop 10

The tour ends near the Rialto Bridge, where we'll taste Risotto, Lasagna, or Pasta, plus Tiramisu for dessert. Your guide will offer local tips and directions!

What's not included

Hotel pick-up and drop off

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

1,225 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.8

630 reviews

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Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Children must be accompanied by an adult

There may be a change of itinerary according to opening times of bars and restaurants along the way depending on how crowded they are. However, all the bars you are taken to are of the same standard, so you will not be missing out if the itinerary does change.

You will pick up some responsible travel tips that will help you to be a greener traveller while you’re in the city

This tour offers a well-balanced gastronomic experience with Cicchetti dishes, featuring visits to local establishments. Please note that while the tour is suitable for vegetarians, lactose-free, and non-celiac gluten-free customers, some locations may not be able to accommodate all dietary requirements.

On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it

Please note that this tour covers 2 km (1.2 mile) of walking.

Meeting point

Infront of Church of the Maddalena on the Maddalena Square, Cannaregio, Venezia

Important notes

Check-in Time
You must arrive at least 5 minutes prior to tour meeting time. The tour will begin on time and your check-in time is important. Out of respect for the other passengers we won't be able to accommodate late arrivals.

Dietary Notes
This tour is suitable for vegetarians, lactose free, and gluten free (non-celiac) customers. For any specific dietary request, we need to know 24 h before the tour start time by emailing us at venice@urbanadventures.com

Additional Information
There may be a change of itinerary according to opening times of bars and restaurants along the way depending on how crowded they are. However, all the bars you are taken to are of the same standard, so you will not be missing out if the itinerary does change. Food inclusions are subject to change, dependent on availability on the day.
In case of bad weather, we will not be able to cross the canal in the traghetto gondola due to safety reasons. However, we provide an additional tasting.

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About Venice

Venice is a unique and enchanting city built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. Known for its canals, gondolas, and stunning architecture, Venice is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit destination for its rich history, art, and culture. The city offers a romantic and timeless atmosphere that captivates visitors from around the world.

Top Attractions

St. Mark's Basilica

A stunning Byzantine cathedral known for its opulent design, golden mosaics, and historical significance. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Venice.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free entry, €3 for museum and treasury

Doge's Palace

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Doge's Palace was the residence of the Doge of Venice and the seat of Venetian government. It offers a glimpse into the city's political and cultural history.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours €25 for standard ticket, €30 for Secret Itineraries Tour

Rialto Bridge

The oldest and most famous of Venice's four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge is an iconic symbol of the city.

Architecture 30 minutes Free

Grand Canal

The main waterway of Venice, the Grand Canal is lined with beautiful palaces, churches, and historic buildings. A vaporetto ride along the canal offers stunning views.

Nature/Scenic 30-60 minutes €7.50 for a vaporetto ticket

Murano

An island famous for its glass-making tradition. Visitors can watch artisans at work and purchase unique glass souvenirs.

Cultural/Historical Half-day Free to explore, €10 for museum

Burano

A colorful island known for its lace-making tradition and picturesque houses. Burano is a charming and photogenic destination.

Cultural/Scenic Half-day Free to explore, €5 for lace museum

Must-Try Local Dishes

Risotto al Nero di Seppia

A risotto made with cuttlefish ink, giving it a distinctive black color and rich, briny flavor.

Main Course Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians or those with seafood allergies.

Sarde in Saor

Sweet and sour sardines marinated with onions, raisins, pine nuts, and vinegar.

Appetizer Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians.

Bigoli in Salsa

Pasta with a sauce made from anchovies, onions, and breadcrumbs.

Main Course Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians.

Frito Misto

A mix of fried seafood and vegetables, including shrimp, squid, and zucchini.

Appetizer Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians.

Popular Activities

Kayaking in the canals Cycling on Lido di Venezia Hiking in the Venetian Lagoon Sunbathing on Lido di Venezia Enjoying a gondola ride Visiting a spa or wellness center Attending a concert or opera Visiting museums and galleries

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

These months offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer peak. The city is vibrant with events and festivals, and the temperatures are comfortable for exploring.

15°C to 28°C 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, French, German
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, moderately spoken in local areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Venice is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, pickpocketing and petty theft can occur in crowded areas, and acqua alta (high water) events can disrupt travel plans.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings
• Use official taxis and ticket vendors
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with offers or requests

Getting there

By air

Venice Marco Polo Airport • 12 km from city center

By train

Santa Lucia Railway Station

By bus

Piazzale Roma

Getting around

Public transport

The vaporetto is the main public transport system in Venice. It operates on fixed routes and is the most convenient way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber (limited availability), Local taxi apps

Rentals

Neighborhoods

San Marco Dorsoduro Cannaregio Castello

Day trips

Burano and Murano

10-45 minutes by vaporetto • Half-day to full day

Visit the colorful island of Burano and the glass-making island of Murano for a unique and picturesque day trip.

Lido di Venezia

20 minutes by vaporetto • Half-day to full day

A long, narrow island between the Venetian Lagoon and the Adriatic Sea, known for its beaches, the Venice Film Festival, and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Padua (Padova)

40 km (25 miles) • Half-day to full day

A charming city known for its beautiful architecture, historic sites, and the famous Scrovegni Chapel with its stunning frescoes by Giotto.

Festivals

Venice Carnival • February or March (dates vary) Venice Film Festival • Late August to early September Festa del Redentore • Third weekend of July

Pro tips

Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Explore the city's lesser-known neighborhoods and hidden gems for a more authentic experience
Try local specialties and dishes, and ask locals for recommendations
Use a map or GPS to navigate the intricate streets and canals, as Venice can be easy to get lost in
Be prepared for acqua alta (high water) events, especially from October to January, and check forecasts and plan accordingly